Ferry to the UK from The Netherlands / Hollland
Three Direct Crossings to the UK from the Netherlands
If you're planning to travel by ferry from the Netherlands to the UK, there are three direct routes available, offering convenient options to different parts of England:
- South England: Perfect for those heading to London or the southern regions. (Harwich)
- Central England: A good choice for Midlands destinations. (Hull)
- North England: Ideal if you're heading further north or closer to Scotland. (Newcastle)
Short Crossings from Dunkirk or Calais
For a shorter and cheaper crossing, consider travelling from France to England via the Channel:
- Crossings from Dunkirk or Calais take just 1.5 to 2 hours, making them quick and cost-effective.
- Alternatively, the Channel Tunnel train is a fast and convenient option for those wanting to avoid a ferry altogether.
Choose the route that best suits your destination and travel preferences.
Map: crossings to the UK from Holland
Ferry Routes from Holland to the UK
The ferry map shows how to reach different parts of the UK from the Netherlands:
Direct Crossings:
- Amsterdam to Newcastle (north England/Scotland).
- Rotterdam to Hull (central/north England).
- Hook of Holland to Harwich (south/central England).
Via France:
- Crossings from Dunkirk or Calais, just a 3.5–4-hour drive from the Netherlands, are quicker (1.5–2 hours) for reaching southern England.
This gives clear options for travelling to all parts of the UK.
About these crossings
Ferries from the Netherlands to England
There are several ferry routes from the Netherlands to England, providing indirect access to Scotland and various parts of England:
Direct Routes from the Netherlands
Hook of Holland to Harwich:
- The furthest south, this is the fastest crossing (6.5 hours) and can also be booked as an overnight cruise for a fresh start the next morning.
- Best for travellers living nearby.
Rotterdam to Hull:
- Ideal for central England, offering a comfortable and scenic journey.
Amsterdam (IJmuiden) to Newcastle:
- The furthest north, great for accessing northern England and Scotland.
Pick your route
Have you made your choice yet? We also have specific guides for the crossings from (1) Hull to Rotterdam, (2) Newcastle to Amsterdam, and (3) Harwich to Hook of Holland.
Still unsure and curious about our onboard experiences? Take a look here to explore the experience on:
Via France
If you're open to driving to France first, crossings from France to England are shorter and cost-effective, perfect for those visiting southern England or London.
- Calais to Dover (operated by three ferry companies)
- Dunkirk to Dover (operated by DFDS): Takes 30 minutes longer but is easier to reach from the Netherlands.
Driving Times from Utrecht (central Netherlands):
- To Dunkirk: ~3 hours 15 minutes
- To Calais: ~3 hours 30 minutes
These options provide flexibility, whether you prefer direct routes from the Netherlands or shorter crossings via France.
On board impressions and ferry route maps
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- Ferries from England to the Netherlands + alternatives. From North to South: (1) Newcastle – Amsterdam (2) Hull-Rotterdam (3) Harwich-Hook of Holland. And alternatives via France (4) Dover-Dunkirk (5) Dover-Calais.
Summarized
Three ferry companies operate routes from the Netherlands to England: P&O Ferries, Stena Line, and DFDS. Ferries from France to Dover are run by P&O Ferries and DFDS.
Key Routes and Crossing Times
Shortest Crossing:
- Hook of Holland to Harwich: Takes 6.5 hours (day trip).
- This is also the shortest distance at 122 miles as the crow flies.
Longest Crossing:
- Amsterdam to Newcastle: Takes over 16 hours (night sailing).
Costs and Convenience
- The Hook of Holland – Harwich route is typically the most affordable crossing.
- Stena Line offers a Ferry & Train ticket for £49 per person (single journey), which includes free onward travel to Greater Anglia train stations in England.
With options ranging from short, economical crossings to longer, scenic overnight sailings, you can choose the route that best fits your travel plans.
Prices and availability for this crossing
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings from the UK to the continent, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Bring your passport: Since Brexit, a driver's licence or ID card is no longer sufficient for travel.
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Foot passengers: Not all ferries accept foot passengers, so check ahead.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
Luggage & Pets
On most ferries, there are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can reasonably bring. Pets are allowed, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels on board. For some destinations, like for example France, pets must meet specific requirements, such as certain vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find country-specific regulations and company policies in this post.
Useful for travellers to the Netherlands
Any update on the possibility of Newcastle – Norway ferry coming back please?
You would think with more and more people looking for ‘plane free travel/holidays', this route would be coming on line sooner rather than later.
Personally, I don't want to have to travel south as I ‘up north' !!
thank you for any info.
Hi Very Snowy!
Thanks for your question, in this article you can find more info on the ferry from Newcastle to Norway: https://ferrygogo.co.uk/plans-for-ferry-between-newcastle-and-norway-in-2026/
So as you can read here: https://bergencruiseline.no/ it seems that is a plan in progress, but sailings will only start in 2026.
Best regards,